Best Cars Under $30,000

Price: $26,995 | U.S. News Score: 8.9/10

The 2025 Ford Maverick's base spec XL model comes in under $30,000. It rides on 17-inch steel wheels and has a 2.5-liter hybrid powertrain that's good for 191 horsepower. Front-wheel drive (FWD) comes standard, but all-wheel drive (AWD) is available. One major benefit of that hybrid setup is that it gets 42 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highway, and Ford isn't charging extra for its more fun blue and green paint colors.

The Maverick XL comes pretty well stocked with a 13.2-inch touch screen, 8-inch digital driver display, lane-keep assist, lane-departure warning, emergency braking, remote keyless entry, and a six-speaker stereo.

Price: $26,990 | U.S. News Score: 8.9/10

If you're looking for an affordable compact SUV with class-leading fuel efficiency, the Kia Niro is a competitive choice at an affordable price. The Niro boasts fuel efficiency of 53 mpg in the city and between 45-54 mpg on the highway, depending on wheel size. All models come with a hybrid setup good for 139 horsepower driving the front wheels, which is fine for most situations but can be laggy when you push it.

The Niro boasts two trims that fall under the $30,000 mark — the LX and EX models. The LX trim comes with dual-zone climate control, an 8-inch touch screen (with admittedly slightly confusing controls), remote keyless entry, blind-spot monitoring, emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and driver-attention monitoring. For a little less than $2,000, the EX upgrades to a 10.25-inch screen, wireless phone charging, heated front seating, a power-adjustable front seat, and upgraded seat materials and trimmings.

Price: $24,550 | U.S. News Score: 8.9/10

If you'd like a small SUV that will certainly stand out in the parking lot, Hyundai has the funky Kona with four trims starting under the $30k threshold. The SE, SEL, and SEL Convenience models come with a four-cylinder engine and FWD, though AWD is available. The N-Line S trim is more athletic and features a turbocharged engine. MPG ratings top out at 29/35 mpg city/highway with the base engine and 26/32 mpg city/highway with the turbocharged setup.

The Kona is fairly well equipped inside and has one of the largest cargo capacities in its class. We've praised its modern infotainment setup, though the rest of the lower-trim interiors have hard plastics on many surfaces.

Price: $23,800 | U.S. News Score: 8.8/10

The Buick Envista has a smooth ride, decent fuel economy ratings, and attractive styling. We feel the base engine lacks some kick as you accelerate, with abrupt shifting under a heavy foot, but it's fine for everyday driving.

The first-time car buyers that Buick seems to be targeting with the new Envista crossover should be satisfied with the base Preferred trim that has decent cargo capacity, 17-inch alloy wheels, active noise cancellation, and an 11-inch touch screen. However, higher trims stay under $30,000, as well.

Price: $22,125 | U.S. News Score: 8.9/10

All five available trims for the compact 2025 Hyundai Elantra come in under the $30,000 limit, ranging from base SE to a sportier N Line trim. Beyond that top trim, most models sport a four-cylinder engine that gets up to 32 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway from its front-wheel-drive setup. The SE is decently equipped with an 8-inch touch screen and wireless phone connectivity. Higher trims have features that include larger touch screens, heated seats, upgraded upholstery, upgraded sound systems, and a sunroof.⁠

Price: $21,830 | U.S. News Score: 9.1/10

The Nissan Kicks is redesigned for the 2025 model year, and it marks a significant glow up for the little SUV, inside and out. We find it has just enough power for most driving situations, though you might struggle to pass on the freeway. All-wheel drive is available in all three trims, and all start under $30,000 even with AWD equipped.

Standard features include a 7-inch touch screen but not Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Options include a 12.3-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, a 10-speaker Bose stereo, automatic climate control, and a panoramic moonroof.

Price: $26,650 | U.S. News Score: 8.9/10

If you need to step up to something slightly larger or perhaps just a little more comfortable than the compact Hyundai Elantra, you might find yourself in the updated midsize 2025 Hyundai Sonata. Both the SE and SEL trims come in under $30,000 and feature a four-cylinder engine good for 28 mpg in the city and 38 mpg on the highway.

The base SE comes with a 12.3-inch touch screen, a hands-free trunk lid, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and adaptive cruise control. The SEL upgrades to 17-inch wheels, heated mirrors, acoustic front door glass, a power driver's seat, heating front seats, dual-zone climate control, and steering-mounted paddle shifters.

Price: $24,690 | U.S. News Score: 8.9/10

The 2025 Kia Seltos is a well-rounded model, with four of its five trims priced under $30,000. A four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive come standard, though a turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive are available. We found the base powertrain lacking on the highway, though it's of course more efficient, but it might be worth the engine and transmission upgrade if you're doing a lot of highway miles or more spirited driving.

The EX trim is a solid bet if you're not willing to upgrade, as it has heated and power-adjustable front seats, a 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster, and wireless phone charging.

Price: $21,990 | U.S. News Score: 8.8/10

Gone is the old Kia Forte, and in is the hot new redesigned 2025 Kia K4 sedan, which has also gotten a bit longer and wider as part of its glow-up. The entire K4 lineup is priced under $30,000, and you get two engine options to choose from. The standard 2.0-liter four-cylinder setup is good enough, but those looking for a sportier option have a 1.6-liter turbo unit in the GT-Line Turbo trim.

We’d recommend the third-tier EX trim, which adds upgraded interior materials, two extra speakers, a 12.3-inch driver display, wireless device charging, and dual-zone climate control.

Price: $28,895 | U.S. News Score: 9.1/10

The Outback has steadily climbed in price over the years, leaving only the base Standard trim of the 2025 Subaru Outback under our $30,000 limit for this list. Luckily, the Outback is fairly well equipped for that price. You get standard all-wheel drive paired with a 2.5-liter flat four-cylinder engine good for 182 horsepower.

Standard features include a 7-inch touch screen, adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, land-departure warning, and pedestrian detection.

Price: $25,450 | U.S. News Score: 9.1/10

Though the 2025 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is one of the most affordable hybrids on the market. It returns excellent fuel economy, at 49-51 mpg in the city and 52-58 mpg on the highway, depending on trim level.

Standard features include dual-zone automatic climate control, an 8-inch touch screen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a six-speaker stereo. Options include a 10.25-inch touch screen, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, navigation, satellite radio, voice recognition, a Wi-Fi hot spot, wireless device charging, a sunroof, and an eight-speaker Bose premium stereo.

Price: $24,995 | U.S. News Score: 9.1/10

Just as with most other Mazda cars and SUVs, the 2025 Mazda CX-30 has a sportier side and premium feel for its price point. That could translate to slightly stiff suspension for some, but it also means improved handling characteristics that give the CX-30 a driving edge.

The base model is elegant inside, but can feel a little simple. That’s why we recommend a jump up to the second grade, the 2.5 S Select Sport, which adds dual-zone climate control, synthetic leather-wrapped seating and steering, more paint options, and the Amazon Alexa digital assistant in the home screen.

Price: $30,000 | U.S. News Score: 9.2/10

The 2025 Toyota GR86 barely makes it on our list, priced right at $30,000 for the base coupe. Still, it’s worth the consideration if you’re looking for something fun that won’t break the bank. Recent years have power output now pegged at 228 horsepower for the base model, sent through the rear wheels with a standard six-speed manual gearbox for the ultimate driving engagement.

As is fairly normal with sporty coupes, the rear seats here are a little cramped, but at least they exist.

Price: $27,190 | U.S. News Score: 8.7/10

The 2025 Kia Sportage isn't exciting, but it's a competent performer. It has ample power for daily driving, though it can feel a little weak on the highway, and the ride is smooth for the most part. Fuel economy ratings come in at 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway, which is typical for the class.

This Kia looks good inside, and the interior is upscale. The seats are comfortable and the cargo hold is roomy, and standard features include an 8-inch touch screen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, HD Radio, voice recognition, and a six-speaker stereo.

Price: $28,770 | U.S. News Score: 9.2/10

The 2025 Mazda CX-5’s base trim is the only one that comes in under $30,000, but it at least comes with all-wheel drive. This SUV is classic Mazda, with sporty handling and a well-crafted cabin. Fuel economy ratings are pretty good, at 26/31 mpg city/highway. The base engine gets the job done, but the optional turbo-four feels livelier.

Cargo capacity is so-so, but the seats are roomy and comfortable, particularly in the front. Standard features include a 10.25-inch infotainment display, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and push-button start. Options include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, wireless device charging, a 10-speaker Bose stereo, and a moonroof.

Price: $28,705 | U.S. News Score: 9.1/10

The 2025 Hyundai Tucson got a suite of updates for the new model year, including refreshed styling inside and out. Only the front-wheel-drive base SE trim is under $30,000, but it comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a six-speaker stereo, blind-spot monitoring, pedestrian and cyclist detection, and adaptive cruise control.

The base engine is a four-cylinder that returns 25 mpg in the city and 33 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. If you opt for all-wheel drive, ratings drop to 24/30 mpg city/highway.

Price: $28,295 | U.S. News Score: 9.3/10

On the pricier side of the midsize car spectrum sits the 2025 Honda Accord, which only has one trim priced under $30,000. It features a 192 horsepower four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive, and it gets 29/37 mpg city/highway.

Standard features include a 7-inch touch screen, a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and remote start. An eight-speaker stereo, a moonroof, and dual-zone automatic climate control are available.

Price: $23,950 | U.S. News Score: 9.3/10

The 2025 Mazda3 is flat-out fun to drive. The lower trims come with a 191 horsepower four-cylinder engine that offers plenty of pep, though a more powerful turbocharged setup is available. Fuel economy is decent, at 27 mpg in the city and up to 37 mpg on the highway.

The Mazda3’s interior is modern and upscale with plenty of premium materials, making it a nice place to be, though larger adults may find the second row a bit cramped. Standard features include an 8.8-inch display, a six-speaker stereo, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring.

Price: $20,490 | U.S. News Score: 9.2/10

The 2025 Kia Soul isn't the most powerful thing on the road, and it doesn’t offer all-wheel drive, but it's still a strong value in its class. It comes with an 8-inch touch screen, a six-speaker stereo, pedestrian and cyclist detection, lane-keep assist, and lane-departure warning.

We recommend stepping up to the S trim, which is still very affordable but gains a larger touch screen, a nicer driver’s seat, navigation, dual-zone climate control, wireless device charging, and blind-spot monitoring.

Price: $28,950 | U.S. News Score: 9.4/10

The 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid is a top contender in its class, even if it’s on the pricier side. The standard powertrain is peppy, providing a fun and engaging driving experience. Fuel economy is excellent, returning 50 mpg in the city and 47 mpg on the highway.

Only the base Sport trim starts under $30,000, and it comes with a 7-inch touch screen, heated front seats, an eight-speaker audio system, dual-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and traffic-sign recognition.

Price: $29,330 | U.S. News Score: 9.2/10

The 2025 Mazda MX-5 Miata provides corner-carving thrills for an affordable price. The MX-5 comes with a four-cylinder engine and a six-speed manual, with power sent through the rear wheels.

Only the base Sport trim is priced under $30,000. It comes with a leather-trimmed shift knob and steering wheel (but cloth seating), an 8.8-inch touch screen, a six-speaker audio system, blind-spot monitoring, and lane-departure warning.

Price: $24,250 | U.S. News Score: 9.2/10

The 2025 Honda Civic comes with front-wheel drive, but you get two powertrain options. The base engine feels a little underpowered at times, but the turbocharged engine is peppier. The Civic has engaging handling and gets up to 32/41 mpg city/highway.

Standard features include a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and automatic climate control. Available features include a 9-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12-speaker Bose stereo, and a moonroof.

Price: $28,700 | U.S. News Score: 9.6/10

The 2025 Toyota Camry now comes exclusively as a hybrid. It has two peppy powertrain options, and fuel economy ratings top out at 53 mpg in the city and 50 mpg on the highway.

Standard features include an 8-inch touch screen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless device charging, a Wi-Fi hot spot, dual-zone automatic climate control, and push-button start. Options include a 12.3-inch touch screen, navigation, a nine-speaker JBL stereo, voice recognition, and a moonroof.

While you might not find luxury-car features in cars under $30,000, there are many features you should consider for any car you buy:

What is the best car under $30,000?

The best car you can buy for less than $30,000 is the Toyota Camry.

What is the best SUV under $30,000?

The best SUV you can buy for less than $30,000 is the Kia Soul. The Hyundai Tucson and the Mazda CX-5 also earn high marks.

What is the best pickup truck under $30,000?

The best pickups you can buy for less than $30,000 is the Ford Maverick.

What are the best AWD vehicles under $30,000?

Shoppers who need all-wheel-drive capability should check out the Mazda CX-5 and the Mazda CX-30.

Are there electric cars that cost less than $30,000?

No, there are no electric cars in our rankings with a base price below $30,000. The closest is the Chevrolet Equinox EV, which starts at $34,995 before factoring in available incentives.

Buying a car, even with a smaller budget, doesn't have to be stressful. We suggest you start with our new car rankings and reviews. They're designed to answer the questions you have when you're in the market for a new car, truck, or SUV.

Once you've found the right car, it's time to find the right deal. Our new car purchase deals page showcases the best financing and cash-back deals available in the marketplace. Our lease deals page shows offers with low monthly payments and little due at signing.

An excellent path to savings on a new car purchase or lease is taking advantage of the U.S. News Best Price Program. It connects shoppers with local dealers, offering significant savings with pre-negotiated prices, home delivery, and online sales options.

No purchase or lease is complete until you've protected your new ride with the right car insurance. Our auto insurance guide shows you the coverages you need, the cheapest insurance in your state, and money-saving car insurance discounts.